This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C150/C150M − 18

Standard Specification for

Portland Cement1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C150/C150M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* or by appropriate conversion, using the Rules for Conversion

1.1 This specification covers ten types of portland cement,
as follows (see Note 2):
1.1.1 Type I—For use when the special properties specified
for any other type are not required.
1.1.2 Type IA—Air-entraining cement for the same uses as
Type I, where air-entrainment is desired.
1.1.3 Type II—For general use, more especially when mod-
erate sulfate resistance is desired.
1.1.4 Type IIA—Air-entraining cement for the same uses as
Type II, where air-entrainment is desired.
1.1.5 Type II(MH)—For general use, more especially when
moderate heat of hydration and moderate sulfate resistance are
desired.
1.1.6 Type II(MH)A—Air-entraining cement for the same
uses as Type II(MH), where air-entrainment is desired.
1.1.7 Type III—For use when high early strength is desired.
1.1.8 Type IIIA—Air-entraining cement for the same use as
Type III, where air-entrainment is desired.
1.1.9 Type IV—For use when a low heat of hydration is
desired.
1.1.10 Type V—For use when high sulfate resistance is
desired.
NOTE 1—Some cements are designated with a combined type
classification, such as Type I/II, indicating that the cement meets the
requirements of the indicated types and is being offered as suitable for use
when either type is desired.
NOTE 2—Cement conforming to the requirements for all types are not
carried in stock in some areas. In advance of specifying the use of cement
other than Type I, determine whether the proposed type of cement is, or
can be made, available.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard. Values in SI units [or inch-pound units] shall
be obtained by measurement in SI units [or inch-pound units]
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C01 on
Cement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.10 on Hydraulic
Cements for General Concrete Construction.
Current edition approved April 1, 2018. Published April 2018. Originally
approved in 1940. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C150/C150M – 17.
DOI: 10.1520/C0150_C0150M-18.
and Rounding given in IEEE/ASTM SI 10, of measurements
made in other units [or SI units]. Values are stated in only SI
units when inch-pound units are not used in practice.
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
as requirements of the standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C51 Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (as used
by the Industry)
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube
Specimens)
C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic
Cement
C115 Test Method for Fineness of Portland Cement by the
Turbidimeter
C151 Test Method for Autoclave Expansion of Hydraulic
Cement
C183 Practice for Sampling and the Amount of Testing of
Hydraulic Cement
C185 Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic Cement
Mortar
C191 Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement
by Vicat Needle
C204 Test Methods for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by
Air-Permeability Apparatus
C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 C150/C150M − 18
C226 Specification for Air-Entraining Additions for Use in
the Manufacture of Air-Entraining Hydraulic Cement
C266 Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic-Cement
Paste by Gillmore Needles
C451 Test Method for Early Stiffening of Hydraulic Cement
(Paste Method)
C452 Test Method for Potential Expansion of Portland-
Cement Mortars Exposed to Sulfate
C465 Specification for Processing Additions for Use in the
Manufacture of Hydraulic Cements
C563 Guide for Approximation of Optimum SO3 in Hydrau-
lic Cement
C1038 Test Method for Expansion of Hydraulic Cement
Mortar Bars Stored in Water
C1702 Test Method for Measurement of Heat of Hydration
of Hydraulic Cementitious Materials Using Isothermal
Conduction Calorimetry
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 American National Standard for Use of
the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric
System
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology C219.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
the following:
4.1.1 This specification number and date,
4.1.2 Type or types allowable. If no type is specified,
Type I shall be supplied,
4.1.3 Any optional chemical requirements from Table 2, if
desired, and
4.1.4 Any optional physical requirements from Table 4, if
desired.
5. Ingredients
5.1 The cement covered by this specification shall contain
no ingredients except as follows:
5.1.1 Portland cement clinker.
5.1.2 Water or calcium sulfate, or both. The amounts shall
be such that the limits shown in Table 1 for sulfur trioxide and
loss-on-ignition are not exceeded.
5.1.3 Limestone. The amount shall not be more than 5.0 %
by mass such that the chemical and physical requirements of
this standard are met (see Note 3). The limestone, defined in
Terminology C51, shall be naturally occurring and consist of at
least 70 % by mass of one or more of the mineral forms of
calcium carbonate. If limestone is used, the manufacturer shall
report the amount used, expressed as a percentage of cement
mass, as determined using Annex A2, along with the oxide
composition of the limestone.
NOTE 3—This standard permits portland cement to contain limestone,
but does not require that limestone be an ingredient in the cement. Cement
without ground limestone can be specified in the contract or order.
5.1.4 Inorganic processing additions. The amount shall be
not more than 5.0 % by mass of cement. Not more than one
inorganic processing addition shall be used at a time. For
amounts greater than 1.0 %, they shall have been shown to
meet the requirements of Specification C465 for the inorganic
processing addition in the amount used or greater. If an
inorganic processing addition is used, the manufacturer shall

TABLE 1 Standard Composition Requirements

Applicable Test II(MH) and
Cement TypeA I and IA II and IIA III and IIIA IV V
Method II(MH)A
Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), max, % C114 ... 6.0 6.0 ... ... ...
Ferric oxide (Fe2O3), max, % C114 ... 6.0B 6.0B,C ... 6.5 ...
Magnesium oxide (MgO), max, % C114 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
Sulfur trioxide (SO3),D max, % C114
When (C3A)E is 8 % or less 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 2.3 2.3
When (C3A)E is more than 8 % 3.5 F F
4.5 F F

Loss on ignition, max, % C114

When limestone is not an ingredient 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.5 3.0
When limestone is an ingredient 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5
Insoluble residue, max, % C114 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
Tricalcium silicate (C3S)E , max, % See Annex A1 ... ... ... ... 35C ...
Dicalcium silicate (C2S)E , min, % See Annex A1 ... ... ... ... 40C ...
Tricalcium aluminate (C3A)E , max, % See Annex A1 ... 8 8 15 7C 5B
Sum of C3S + 4.75C3AG , max, % See Annex A1 ... ... 100C,H ... ... ...
Tetracalcium aluminoferrite plus twice the See Annex A1 ... ... ... ... ... 25B
tricalcium aluminate (C4AF + 2(C3A)), or
solid solution (C4AF + C2F),
as applicable, max, %
A
See Note 2.
B
Does not apply when the sulfate resistance limit in Table 4 is specified.
C
Does not apply when the heat of hydration limit in Table 4 is specified.
D
It is permissible to exceed the values in the table for SO3 content, provided it has been demonstrated by Test Method C1038 that the cement with the increased SO3
will not develop expansion exceeding 0.020 % at 14 days. When the manufacturer supplies cement under this provision, supporting data shall be supplied to the purchaser.
See Note 6.
E
See Annex A1 for calculation.
F
Not applicable.
G
See Note 5.
H
In addition, three-day heat of hydration testing by Test Method C1702 shall be conducted at least once every six months. Such testing shall not be used for acceptance
or rejection of the cement, but results shall be reported for informational purposes.

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 C150/C150M − 18
TABLE 2 Optional Composition RequirementsA
Applicable Test II(MH) and III and
Cement Type I and IA II and IIA IV V Remarks
Method II(MH)A IIIA
Tricalcium aluminate (C3A)B , max, % See Annex A1 ... ... ... 8 ... . . . for moderate sulfate resistance
Tricalcium aluminate (C3A)B , max, % See Annex A1 ... ... ... 5 ... . . . for high sulfate resistance
Equivalent alkalies (Na2O + 0.658K2O), max, % C114 0.60C 0.60C 0.60C 0.60C 0.60C 0.60C low-alkali cement
A
These optional requirements apply only when specifically requested. Verify availability before ordering. See Note 2.
B
See Annex A1 for calculation.
C
Specify this limit when the cement is to be used in concrete with aggregates that are potentially reactive and no other provisions have been made to protect the concrete
from deleteriously reactive aggregates. Refer to Specification C33 for information on potential reactivity of aggregates.

TABLE 3 Standard Physical Requirements

Applicable
Cement TypeA Test I IA II IIA II(MH) II(MH)A III IIIA IV V
Method
B
Air content of mortar, volume %: C185
max 12 22 12 22 12 22 12 22 12 12
min ... 16 ... 16 ... 16 ... 16 ... ...

Fineness, specific surface, m2/kg

Air permeability test C204
min 260 260 260 260 260 260 ... ... 260 260
max ... ... ... ... 430C 430C ... ... 430 ...

Autoclave expansion, max, % C151 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80

Strength, not less than the values

shown for the ages indicated as fol-
lows:D
Compressive strength, MPa [psi]: C109/
C109M
1 day ... ... ... ... ... ... 12.0 10.0 ... ...
[1740] [1450]
3 days 12.0 10.0 10.0 8.0 10.0 8.0 24.0 19.0 ... 8.0
[1740] [1450] [1450] [1160] [1450] [1160] [3480] [2760] [1160]
7.0E 6.0E
[1020]E [870]E
7 days 19.0 16.0 17.0 14.0 17.0 14.0 ... ... 7.0 15.0
[2760] [2320] [2470] [2030] [2470] [2030] [1020] [2180]
12.0E 9.0E
[1740]E [1310]E
28 days ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 17.0 21.0
[2470] 3050]

Time of setting; Vicat test:F C191

Time of setting, minutes, 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45
not less than
Time of setting, minutes, 375 375 375 375 375 375 375 375 375 375
not more than
A
See Note 2.
B
Compliance with the requirements of this specification does not necessarily ensure that the desired air content will be obtained in concrete.
C
Maximum fineness limits do not apply if the sum of C3S + 4.75C3A is less than or equal to 90.
D
The strength at any specified test age shall be not less than that attained at any previous specified test age.
E
When the optional heat of hydration in Table 4 is specified.
F
The time of setting is that described as initial setting time in Test Method C191.

report the amount used, expressed as a percentage of cement
mass, along with the oxide composition of the processing
addition. See Note 4.
NOTE 4—These requirements are based on data and recommendations
by Taylor.3
5.1.5 Organic Processing additions. They shall have been
shown to meet the requirements of Specification C465 in the
3
Taylor, P., “Specifications and Protocols for Acceptance Tests on Processing
Additions in Cement Manufacturing,” NCHRP Report 607, Transportation Research
3 Board, Washington, DC 20008, 96 pp. Available at www.trb.org.
amounts used or greater and the total amount of organic
processing additions used shall not exceed 1.0 % by mass of
cement.
5.1.6 Air-entraining addition (for air-entraining portland
cement only). The interground addition shall conform to the
requirements of Specification C226.
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 Portland cement of each of the ten types shown in
Section 1 shall conform to the respective standard chemical
requirements prescribed in Table 1. In addition, optional
chemical requirements are shown in Table 2.

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 C150/C150M − 18
TABLE 4 Optional Physical RequirementsA
Applicable
Cement Type I and II IA and IIA II(MH) II(MH)A III IIIA IV V
Test Method
False set, final penetration, min, % C451 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
Heat of hydration:
Isothermal Conduction Calorimetry:
3 days, max, kJ/kg [cal/g] C1702 ... ... 255 [60]B 255 [60]B ... ... 200 [50]C ...
7 days, max, kJ/kg [cal/g] ... ... ... ... ... ... 225 [55]C ...
Strength, not less than the values shown:
Compressive strength, MPa [psi] C109/C109M
28 days 28.0 22.0 28.0 22.0 ... ... ... ...
[4060] [3190] [4060] [3190]
22.0B 18.0B
[3190]B [2610]B
Sulfate resistance,D 14 days, max, % expansion C452 . . .E . . .E . . .E . . .E ... ... ... 0.040
Gillmore test: C266
Initial set, min, not less than 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
Final set, min, not more than 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600
Turbidimeter test C115
min 150 150 150 150 ... ... 150 150
max ... ... 245F 245F ... ... 245 ...
A
These optional requirements apply only when specifically requested. Verify availability before ordering. See Note 2.
B
The limit for the sum of C3S + 4.75C3A in Table 1 shall not apply when this optional limit is requested. These strength requirements apply when the optional heat of
hydration requirement is requested.
C
When the heat of hydration limit is specified, it shall be instead of the limits of C3S, C2S, C3A, and Fe2O3 listed in Table 1.
D
When the sulfate resistance is specified, it shall be instead of the limits of C3A, C4AF + 2 C3A, and Fe2O3 listed in Table 1.
E
Cement meeting the high sulfate resistance limit for Type V is deemed to meet the moderate sulfate resistance requirement of Type II and Type II(MH).
F
Maximum fineness limits do not apply if the sum of C3S + 4.75 C3A is less than or equal to 90.

NOTE 5—The limit on the sum, C3S + 4.75C3A, in Table 1 provides
control on the heat of hydration of the cement and is consistent with a Test
Method C1702 three-day heat of hydration limit of 315 kJ/kg [75 cal ⁄g].
NOTE 6—There are cases where performance of a cement is improved
with SO3 in excess of the Table 1 limits in this specification. Guide C563
is one of several methods a manufacturer can use to evaluate the effect of
sulfate content on cement characteristics. Whenever SO3 content of a
cement exceeds Table 1 limits, Test Method C1038 results provide
evidence that excessive expansion does not occur at this higher sulfate
content.
7. Physical Properties
7.1 Portland cement of each of the ten types shown in
Section 1 shall conform to the respective standard physical
requirements prescribed in Table 3. In addition, optional
physical requirements are shown in Table 4.
8. Sampling
8.1 When the purchaser desires that the cement be sampled
and tested to verify compliance with this specification, perform
sampling and testing in accordance with Practice C183.
8.2 Practice C183 is not designed for manufacturing quality
control and is not required for manufacturer’s certification.
9. Test Methods
9.1 Determine the applicable properties enumerated in this
specification in accordance with the following test methods:
9.1.1 Chemical Analysis—Test Methods C114.
9.1.2 Air Content of Mortar—Test Method C185.
9.1.3 Fineness by Air Permeability—Test Method C204.
9.1.4 Autoclave Expansion—Test Method C151.
9.1.5 Strength—Test Method C109/C109M.
9.1.6 Time of Setting by Vicat Needles—Test Method C191.
9.1.7 False Set—Test Method C451.
9.1.8 Heat of Hydration—Test Method C1702.
9.1.9 Sulfate Resistance—Test Method C452 (sulfate expan-
sion).
9.1.10 Time of Setting by Gillmore Needles—Test Method
C266.
9.1.11 Fineness by Turbidimeter—Test Method C115.
9.1.12 Calcium Sulfate (Expansion of) Mortar—Test
Method C1038.
10. Inspection
10.1 Inspection of the material shall be made as agreed upon
between the purchaser and the seller as part of the purchase
contract.
11. Rejection
11.1 The cement shall be rejected if it fails to meet any of
the requirements of this specification.
11.2 At the option of the purchaser, retest, before using,
cement remaining in bulk storage for more than six months or
cement in bags in local storage in the custody of a vendor for
more than three months after completion of tests and reject the
cement if it fails to conform to any of the requirements of this
specification. Cement so rejected shall be the responsibility of
the owner of record at the time of resampling for retest.
11.3 Packages shall identify the mass contained as net
weight. At the option of the purchaser, packages more than 2 %
below the mass marked thereon shall be rejected and if the
average mass of packages in any shipment, as shown by
determining the mass of 50 packages selected at random, is less
than that marked on the packages, the entire shipment shall be
rejected.
12. Manufacturer’s Statement
12.1 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall
state in writing the nature, amount, and identity of any

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 C150/C150M − 18
air-entraining addition and of any processing addition used,
and also, if requested, shall supply test data showing compli-
ance of such air-entraining addition with Specification C226
and of such processing addition with Specification C465.
12.2 When limestone is used, the manufacturer shall state in
writing the amount thereof and, if requested by the purchaser,
shall supply comparative test data on chemical and physical
properties of the cement with and without the limestone (see
Note 7). The comparative tests do not supersede the normal
testing to confirm that the cement meets chemical and physical
requirements of this standard. The amount of limestone in
cement shall be determined in accordance with Annex A2.
NOTE 7—Comparative test data may be from qualification tests per-
formed by the manufacturer during formulation of the cement with
limestone.
12.3 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall
report the chloride content as determined using Test Methods
C114, in percent by mass of the cement, in the manufacturer’s
report (see Note 8).
NOTE 8—Chlorides in concrete come from multiple ingredients and
cement chloride content may be required to estimate concrete chloride
content. Requirements for concrete chloride content are provided in
building codes and other documents.
13. Packaging and Package Marking
13.1 When the cement is delivered in packages, the words
“Portland Cement,” the type of cement, the name and brand of
the manufacturer, and the mass of the cement contained therein
shall be plainly marked on each package. When the cement is
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. CALCULATION OF POTENTIAL CEMENT PHASE COMPOSITION
A1.1 All values calculated as described in this annex shall
be rounded according to Practice E29. When evaluating
conformance to a specification, round values to the same
number of places as the corresponding table entry before
making comparisons. The expressing of chemical limitations
by means of calculated assumed phases does not necessarily
mean that the oxides are actually or entirely present as such
phases.
A1.2 When expressing phases, C = CaO, S = SiO 2 ,
A = Al2O3, F = Fe2O3. For example, C3A = 3CaO·Al2O3. Ti-
tanium dioxide and phosphorus pentoxide (TiO2 and P2O5)
shall not be included with the Al2O3 content. See Note A1.1.
NOTE A1.1—When comparing oxide analyses and calculated phases
from different sources or from different historic times, be aware that they
may not have been reported on exactly the same basis. Chemical data
obtained by Reference and Alternate Test Methods of Test Methods C114
(wet chemistry) may include titania and phosphorus as alumina unless
proper correction has been made (see Test Methods C114), while data
obtained by rapid instrumental methods usually do not. This can result in
small differences in the calculated phases. Such differences are usually
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an air-entraining type, the words “air-entraining” shall be
plainly marked on each package. Similar information shall be
provided in the shipping documents accompanying the ship-
ment of packaged or bulk cement. All packages shall be in
good condition at the time of inspection.
NOTE 9—With the change to SI units, it is desirable to establish a
standard SI package for portland cements. To that end 42 kg [92.6 lb]
provides a convenient, even-numbered mass reasonably similar to the
traditional 94-lb [42.6-kg] package.
14. Storage
14.1 The cement shall be stored in such a manner as to
permit easy access for proper inspection and identification of
each shipment, and in a suitable weather-tight building that
will protect the cement from dampness and minimize ware-
house set.
15. Manufacturer’s Certification
15.1 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order,
a manufacturer’s report shall be furnished at the time of
shipment stating the results of tests made on samples of the
material taken during production or transfer and certifying that
the cement conforms to applicable requirements of this speci-
fication.
NOTE 10—Guidance on preparing the manufacturer’s report is provided
in Appendix X1.
16. Keywords
16.1 hydraulic cement; portland cement; specification
within the precision of the analytical methods, even when the methods are
properly qualified under the requirements of Test Methods C114.
A1.3 When the ratio of percentages of aluminum oxide to
ferric oxide is 0.64 or more, the percentages of tricalcium
silicate, dicalcium silicate, tricalcium aluminate, and tetracal-
cium aluminoferrite shall be calculated from the chemical
analysis as follows:
Tricalcium silicate (C3S) = (4.071 × % CaO) – (7.600 × % SiO2)
– (6.718 × % Al2O3) – (1.430 × % Fe2O3) – (2.852 × % SO3)
(A1.1)
Dicalcium silicate (C2S) = (2.867 × % SiO2) – (0.7544 × % C3S)
(A1.2)
Tricalcium aluminate (C3A) = (2.650 × % Al2O3) – (1.692 × % Fe2O3)
(A1.3)
Tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF) = 3.043 × % Fe2O3
(A1.4)
A1.3.1 When the alumina-ferric oxide ratio is less than 0.64,
a calcium aluminoferrite solid solution (expressed as
 C150/C150M − 18
ss(C4AF + C2F)) is formed. No tricalcium aluminate will be L = the percentage by mass of limestone,
present in cements of this composition. Dicalcium silicate shall P = the percentage by mass of inorganic processing
be calculated as in Eq A1.2. Contents of this solid solution and addition, and
of tricalcium silicate shall be calculated by the following Xf = the percentage by mass of C3S, C2S, C3A, or C4AF in
formulas: the finished cement.
ss(C4AF + C2F) = (2.100 × % Al2O3) + (1.702 × % Fe2O3)
The adjusted values for the finished cement shall be reported
(A1.5) on the manufacturer’s report.
Tricalcium silicate (C3S) = (4.071 × % CaO) – (7.600 × % SiO2)
– (4.479 × % Al2O3) – (2.859 × % Fe2O3) – (2.852 × % SO3)
NOTE A1.2—Where the oxide analysis of the finished cement, the
(A1.6) limestone, and inorganic processing addition, are known along with the
mass percentage of limestone (L) and mass percentage of inorganic
A1.4 If no limestone or inorganic processing additions are processing addition (P), one method of determining the base cement oxide
used in the cement, or in the absence of information on composition is to use the following equation:
limestone or inorganic processing additions use in the cement,
phases shall be calculated using procedures in Eq A1.1-A1.6 Ob = 100 × (Of – (L / 100 × Ol) – (P / 100 × Op)) / (100 – L – P)
without adjustment. where:
A1.5 In absence of information on limestone or inorganic Ob = the base cement oxide content (% by mass of base cement),
Of = the finished cement oxide content (% by mass of finished
processing additions content, results shall note that no adjust- cement),
ment has been made for possible use of limestone or inorganic Ol = the limestone oxide content (% by mass of limestone), and
processing additions. Op = the inorganic processing addition oxide content (% by mass of
inorganic processing addition).
A1.6 When inorganic processing additions or limestone or The base cement phase composition can be determined using these
both are used with the base cement (portland cement clinker values of oxide analyses in equations Eq A1.1-A1.6. Eq A1.7 is used to
and any added calcium sulfate), the contents of C3S, C2S, C3A, calculate the adjusted phase composition.
and C4AF, shall be adjusted as follows: NOTE A1.3—For example:
Where the cement includes 3.5 % limestone and 3.0 % of an inorganic
A1.6.1 The percentage of C3S, C2S, C3A, and C4AF in the processing addition and the base cement has 60 % C3S, 15 % C2S, 7 %
base cement (see Note A1.2) shall be determined based on C3A, and 10 % C4AF, the adjusted phase composition is:
chemical analyses using methods in Test Methods C114 and
using Eq A1.1-A1.6 as appropriate. The contents of each of 60 3 ~ 100 2 3.5 2 3.0!
C 3S f 5 5 56 %
these phases shall be adjusted to account for the use of 100
limestone or inorganic processing additions as follows: 15 3 ~ 100 2 3.5 2 3.0!
C 2S f 5 5 14 %
100
~ 100 2 L 2 P ! 7 3 ~ 100 2 3.5 2 3.0!
Xf 5 Xb 3 (A1.7) C 3A f 5 57%
100 100
where: 10 3 ~ 100 2 3.5 2 3.0!
C 4 AFf 5 59%
Xb = the percentage by mass of C3S, C2S, C3A, or C4AF in 100
the base cement (portland cement clinker and any A1.6.2 Only the percentages of C3S, C2S, C3A, and C4AF
calcium sulfate), shall be adjusted by the procedure in A1.6.1.

A2. LIMESTONE CONTENT OF PORTLAND CEMENT

A2.1 When limestone is used, the limestone content in
portland cement shall be derived from the determination of
CO2 in the finished cement. Analysis of CO2 shall be based on
methods described in Test Methods C114. The percent lime-
stone in the cement is calculated from the CO2 analysis based
on the CO2 content of the limestone used.
The manufacturer shall include the CO2 content and calcu-
lated limestone content of the cement on the Mill Test Report.
The limestone content of the cement is calculated as follows:
% CO2 in the cement
3 100 5 % limestone in cement
% CO2 in the limestone
NOTE A2.1—For example:
Where the determined CO2 content in the finished cement = 1.5 % and
the CO2 content of the limestone = 43 % (CaCO3 in limestone = 98 %)
Then:
1.5
3 100 5 3.5 % limestone content in cement
43
A2.2 This specification requires that the limestone to be
used must contain a minimum of 70 % CaCO3. The manufac-
turer shall include the CaCO3 content of the limestone on the
manufacturer’s report. Calculate the CaCO3 content of the
limestone as follows: % CaCO3 = 2.274 × % CO2.

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 C150/C150M − 18
NOTE A2.2—For verification of limestone content of cement, the
purchaser must analyze for CO2 content and make a correction for the
content of CaCO3 in the limestone in order for the data to be comparable
to the manufacturer’s report.

A2.3 Portland cements that do not contain limestone can

contain baseline levels of CO2 inherent in manufacture, for
example, due to carbonation. This baseline CO2 content is
included as part of any calculated limestone content.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. MANUFACTURER’S CERTIFICATION (MILL TEST REPORT)

X1.1 To provide uniformity for reporting the results of tests
performed on cements under this specification, as required by
Section 15 of Specification C150 entitled “Manufacturer’s
Certification,” an example Mill Test Report is shown in Fig.
X1.1.
X1.2 The identity information given should unambiguously
identify the cement production represented by the Mill Test
Report and may vary depending upon the manufacturer’s
designation and purchaser’s requirements.
X1.3 The Manufacturer’s Certification statement may vary
depending upon the manufacturer’s procurement order, or legal
requirements, but should certify that the cement shipped is
represented by the certificate and that the cement conforms to
applicable requirements of the specification at the time it was
tested (or retested) or shipped.
X1.4 The sample Mill Test Report has been developed to
reflect the chemical and physical requirements of this specifi-
cation and recommends reporting all analyses and tests nor-
mally performed on cements meeting Specification C150.
Purchaser reporting requirements should govern if different
from normal reporting by the manufacturer or from those
recommended here.
X1.5 Cements may be shipped prior to later-age test data
being available. In such cases, the test value may be left blank.
Alternatively, the manufacturer can generally provide esti-
mates based on historical production data. The report should
indicate if such estimates are provided.
X1.6 In reporting limits from the tables in Specification
C150 on the Mill Test Report, only those limits specifically
applicable should be listed. In some cases, Specification C150
table limits are superceded by other provisions.
X1.7 When limestone or inorganic processing additions or
both are used in the cement, additional data are reported by the
manufacturer. An example additional data report is shown in
Fig. X1.2.

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 C150/C150M − 18

ABC Portland Cement Company

Qualitytown, N.J.

Plant Example Cement Type II(MH) Date March 9, 20xx

Production Period March 2, 20xx – March 8, 20xx

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS
ASTM C150 Tables 1 and 3

CHEMICAL PHYSICAL
Item Spec. Test Item Spec. Test
Limit Result Limit Result
A
SiO2 (%) 20.6 Air content of mortar (volume %) 12 max 8
Al2O3 (%) 6.0 max 4.4 Blaine fineness (m2/kg) 260 min 377
Fe2O3 (%) 6.0 max 3.3 430 max
A
CaO (%) 62.9 Autoclave expansion (%) 0.80 max 0.04
MgO (%) 6.0 max 2.2 Compressive strength (MPa) min:
A
SO3 (%) 3.0 max 3.2 1 day
Ignition loss (%) 3.5 max 2.7 3 days 7.0 23.4
A
Na2O (%) 0.19 7 days 12.0 29.8
A A
K2O (%) 0.50 28 days
Insoluble residue (%) 1.5 max 0.27 Time of setting (minutes) (Vicat)
A
CO2 (%) 1.2 Initial Not less than 45 124
Limestone (%) 5.0 max 3.5 Not more than 375
CaCO3 in limestone (%) 70 min 79 Heat of hydration (kJ/kg) (ASTM C1702)
B
Inorganic processing addition 3 days 245
D
(ground, granulated blastfurnace slag) 5.0 max 3.0 Test Method C1038 Mortar Bar Expansion (%) 0.010E
Potential phase composition (%)C
A
C3S 59
A
C2S 10
C3A 8 max 5
A
C4AF 10
A
C4AF + 2(C3A) 20
C3S + 4.75C3A 100 max 83
A
Not applicable.
B
Test result represents most recent value and is provided for information only.
C
Adjusted per A1.6.
D
Required only if percent SO3 exceeds the limit in Table 1, in which case the Test Method C1038 expansion shall not exceed 0.020 % at 14 days.
E
Test result for this production period not available. Most recent test result provided.

OPTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
ASTM C150 Tables 2 and 4

CHEMICAL PHYSICAL
Item Spec. Test Item Spec. Test
Limit Result Limit Result
F
Equivalent alkalies (%) 0.52 False set (%) 50 min 82
F
Chloride (%) 0.020 Compressive strength (MPa)
G
28 days 28.0 min

F
Limit not specified by purchaser. Test result provided for information only.
G
Test result for this production period not yet available.

We certify that the above described cement, at the time of shipment, meets the chemical and
physical requirements of the ASTM C150 – XX or (other) _______________ specification.

Signature: ________________________________________ Title: ________________________________________

FIG. X1.1 Example Mill Test Report

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 C150/C150M − 18

ABC Portland Cement Company

Qualitytown, N.J.
Plant: Example Cement Type II Date: March 9, 20xx

Production Period March 2, 20xx – March 8, 20xx

Additional Data

Limestone Inorganic Processing Addition Data

Type --- Ground, granulated blast furnace slag
Amount (%) 3.5 3.0
SiO2 (%) 12.9 33.1
Al2O3 (%) 3.0 10.9
Fe2O3 (%) 1.0 1.1
CaO (%) 43.5 44.4
SO3 (%) 0.6 0.2

Base Cement Phase Composition

C3S (%) 63
C2S (%) 11
C3A (%) 5
C4AF(%) 11

We certify that the above described data represents the materials used in the cement manufactured during the production period indicated.

Signature: __________________________________________ Title: __________________________________________

FIG. X1.2 Example Additional Data Report

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(C150/C150M – 17) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved April 1, 2018.)

(1) Removed references to Test Method C186 throughout. (3) Revised 12.3 and Note 8.
(2) Revised Table 4.

Committee C01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(C150/C150M – 16ε1) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved April 1, 2017.)

(1) Revised Note 3.

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